Do you like to sing? Maybe in the shower, or while waiting for the metro train? Maybe you’ve recently started out practicing your vocals and are looking for some additional tips? Well, there’s something we can offer – our first-ever online vocal masterclass for beginners.  

Together with your trainers, performers and vocalists of the United States Air Force in Europe Band — Staff Sergeant Denver Murphy, Staff Sergeant Sierra Kukan, and Senior Airman Dana Bowers, — you’ll explore your voice and learn about vocal techniques while embracing American culture through music and performance. This class will also be useful to educators curious about new approaches to teaching music, as well as musicians seeking a deeper understanding of vocal performance and how to collaborate with their peers. 

Start from here, with your voice, breath and courage! 

Hold the note in the right key, pitch and tone, and enhance all aspects of your craft. This and more you will learn during our special masterclass on expanding vocal technique and enriching performance with professional performers and vocalists of the United States Air Force in Europe Band!  

Staff Sergeant Denver Murphy, Staff Sergeant Sierra Kukan, and Senior Airman Dana Bowers will help experienced and semiprofessional singers to explore the way your voice works and how to use it to greater effect. Send in a video of you singing to apply for a spotlight participant spot! All applicants will receive written feedback about their vocal technique from the class trainers, and a lucky few will get live feedback during the session.

Apply by Friday, April 18. You will be informed of the selection results for spotlight participants by Tuesday, April 20th the latest.  

Denver Murphy 

Staff Sergeant Denver Murphy is a Regional Band-Vocalist with the United States Air Force. 

A native of Southern Illinois, Sergeant Murphy holds a Masters Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (Areas of Study: Music & Worship/Sport Management) from Liberty University. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Administration from Western Illinois University and Associates degree in Music from the Community College of the Air Force. He is an alumnus of the distinguished Environmental Conservation & Outdoor Education Expedition (ECOEE) field studies program at WIU.  

His music awards and associations include 2nd overall in Classical Division at NATS: Tri-State Conference, Honorable Mention in Broadway Division at NATS: Central Illinois Conference, both All-State Chorus and All-State Honors Chorus of Illinois, the Kansas City Symphony (KCPT PBS broadcast), and the 2009 performance of John Adams 'On the Transmigration of Souls' with the Phoenix Symphony Chorus honoring those who served during the events of 9/11/2001. 

Sierra Kukan 

Staff Sergeant Sierra Kukan performs as a vocalist in the United States Air Forces in Europe Band. In addition to her musical duties, she serves in the unit's Operations Support Element. 
 
Sergeant Kukan was born in Okinawa, Japan and as a military dependent traveled overseas for much of her youth but considers Okinawa to be her hometown.  
 
In 2014, Sergeant Kukan earned a Bachelor of Music degree with emphasis in Music Marketing from the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA).  A student of Dr. Gary Mabry, she competed in numerous vocal competitions and was a finalist in the South Texas Region of the 2013 National Association of Teachers of Singing Competition. Prior to joining the Air Force, Sergeant Kukan taught elementary school for two years. 

Dana Bower 

 Airman First Class Dana Bowers is a vocalist with the United States Air Forces in Europe Band, Ramstein AB, Germany. 

Originally from New York, Bowers grew up singing and training as a vocalist. Classically trained with a focus on musical theatre and opera, she has performed multiple times in All-State Choirs as well as had leading roles in several high school, college, and professional musicals. Some of Bowers’ favorite musical theatre roles included: Laurey (Oklahoma!), Cinderella (Into the Woods), Natalie (Next to Normal), and Marian (The Music Man). Additionally, when time allows, Bowers enjoys playing guitar and singing at local venues. 

Dana received her Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance at the State University of New York, Plattsburgh. There, Bowers trained under opera singer Timothy Morningstar. Bowers graduated from Plattsburgh with honors and received awards including KCACTF Irene Ryan Acting Nomination. 

Professionally, Bowers has worked as a performer at Cain Park and Cedar Point in Ohio where she was in the cast of “On Broadway!”, a musical revue. 

In her free time Bowers enjoys participating in Crossfit, Tough Mudders and Spartan Races. She enjoys reading, eating Cinnabon and spending time with her French bulldog, Georgie.